by George Schroeder, USA TODAY Sports

by George Schroeder, USA TODAY Sports

Texas football coach Mack Brown denied a report Tuesday that he is stepping down as the Longhorns' coach.

The website OrangeBloods.com reported that after 16 years, Brown will step down this week. OrangeBloods.com and other outlets reported Brown met Sunday with new Texas athletics director Steve Patterson.

Brown was in New York on Sunday and Monday for events related to the National Football Foundation, but left Tuesday.

Brown told 247Sports.com on Tuesday that he's recruiting in Florida. "If I had decided to step down I sure wouldn't be killing myself down here," Brown said. "I have not decided to step down."

A person with knowledge of the situation refuted the report of Brown's imminent resignation as well as the report of the meeting, telling USA TODAY Sports that Brown hasn't had a meeting about his status and hasn't told anyone he is stepping down. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

Patterson said Tuesday in a statement, "We continue to discuss the future of Texas Football. Mack Brown has not resigned. And, no decisions have been made."

Joe Jamail, Brown's attorney, told The Associated Press on Tuesday: "Mack Brown has not resigned", and that his future is up to Brown.

Whatever happens â?? or doesn't â?? is not expected before a meeting Thursday of the Texas Board of Regents. On the agenda is something that could be a complicating factor: Texas president Bill Powers' job status.

Brown has a 158-47 record at Texas, which has included 11 victories in 15 bowl appearances and the 2005 BCS Championship. Before taking over in Austin in 1998, Brown coached North Carolina to six bowl games.

After losses in two of the Longhorns' first three games this season, Brown led Texas to wins in seven of its last nine games. The Longhorns are scheduled to play Oregon in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30.